Arthritis/Joint Pain - there are 2 main type of arthritis: osteoarthritis (O/A) and rheumatoid arthritis (R/A). O/A is generally caused by the joints failure to cope with the demands of use/stress. Our bones and joints are constantly undergoing "wear and tear" and "reconstruction". This balance can be offset due to an increase in "wear and tear" or decrease in "reconstruction". In later stages of O/A joint cartilages can be completely worn and joint spaces can narrow causing bone thickening, sclerosis, and spur growth. R/A involves an underlying disease that causes the body's own immune system to attack itself leading to joint inflammation and destructions. This rheumatoid disease can also affect other organs such as the heart and lung. The cause of this autoimmune deformity is still unknown. Treatments for both types of arthritis may involve thermal therapy (ice/heat), proper exercise, orthotics to cope with joint stress, anti-inflammatory medication (or immunosuppressant for R/A).
Please contact our office to book an appointment for an assessment and a customized management plan for this condition. |
